TL;DR
Most Sacramento homeowners don’t need a permit to build a fence up to 7 feet tall in the backyard — but front yard, corner lots, or fences over 7 feet almost always have stricter rules. If you’re building near a sidewalk, on a slope, or in a neighborhood with unique zoning, you may need a permit, a design review, or both. This guide covers what’s allowed, what to avoid, and how to build your fence the right way from the start.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Sacramento?
In most residential neighborhoods in Sacramento, a permit is not required for fences that are:
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7 feet tall or less
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Made from standard residential materials
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Located in the backyard or side yard
But many homeowners are surprised to find they do need a permit for fences if:
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The fence is taller than 7 feet
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It sits within 5 feet of a sidewalk, driveway, or street
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It’s part of a retaining wall or built on a slope
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The property is located in a Special Planning Area (SPA) or Historic District
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The fence materials include electric, barbed wire, or decorative spikes over a certain height
A permit may also be required if you’re building on a corner lot, near an alley, or in an area with traffic visibility concerns.
How High Can My Fence Be?
Backyard and Side Yard Fence Height
In most standard residential zones, your fence can be up to 7 feet tall without a permit. That includes rear fences and side yard fences that don’t front a public street.
Front Yard Fence Height
In your front yard, the rules are more restrictive:
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Solid fences: Usually capped at 3 to 3.5 feet tall
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Wrought iron or see-through fencing: Can sometimes go up to 4 feet or more, but often requires design approval
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Fence near a sidewalk or street corner: May need to be shorter to preserve driver visibility
Decorative Additions
Adding lattice, trellis, or decorative caps can count toward the total height. A 6.5′ fence with a 1′ lattice topper may be considered 7.5’ — and require a permit or variance.
What About Corner Lots and Driveways?
Corner properties must follow stricter rules for visibility. Sacramento uses what’s called a “visibility triangle” — a clear line of sight that must be maintained near intersections and driveways.
If your fence is near an alley, street corner, or driveway, it may need to be:
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Set back from the edge of the property
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Kept under 3 feet in height in those visibility zones
If your fence blocks a driver’s view of oncoming traffic or pedestrians, the city can require you to remove or lower it.
Can I Build a Fence Right on the Property Line?
Yes, in most cases, you can build directly on the property line. But you should be absolutely sure where that line is — and communicate with your neighbors beforehand.
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If you’re sharing the fence, California’s Good Neighbor Fence Act says both parties should split the cost of construction and maintenance, unless otherwise agreed.
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If you’re building entirely on your side, the neighbor can’t legally alter or lean things on your fence — but they also aren’t required to maintain it.
You can also build just inside your property line to avoid potential disputes — especially if the neighboring property is unoccupied or hard to contact.
Are There Materials I Can’t Use?
Yes. Certain fence materials are prohibited in Sacramento for safety, visibility, or aesthetic reasons. These include:
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Barbed wire, razor wire, or concertina wire
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Electric fences (in residential areas)
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Sheet metal, plywood, particle board
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Tarps, cloth, or plastic sheeting
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Reclaimed scrap or “junk” material not meant for fencing
Wrought iron, wood, and vinyl are acceptable — but you may still need HOA or zoning approval depending on your neighborhood.
How Is Fence Height Measured?
If your fence is:
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Within 5 feet of a public sidewalk or street, the height is measured from the street side, not your yard
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Beyond 5 feet, the height is measured from the highest ground level on either side of the fence
This means if your fence is on a slope, it could be considered taller than it looks — and trigger permit requirements.
What Happens If I Build Without a Permit?
If your fence exceeds height limits or uses restricted materials and you skip the permit process, here’s what could happen:
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You may be fined
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The city may issue a code enforcement violation
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You could be forced to remove the fence or reduce its height
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Selling your home may be delayed if a buyer or inspector notices it
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Your fence may not be covered by insurance if damage occurs
Permits aren’t just about paperwork — they protect you from costly rework later.
How Do I Get a Fence Permit in Sacramento?
The process is straightforward if your project qualifies:
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Create a simple site plan showing the fence location, height, and type
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Submit your application through the Sacramento Building Permit Portal
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Pay the required fee (usually under $300 for residential fences)
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Wait 5–10 business days for approval
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Start building once your permit is issued
If your home is in a special district or under HOA rules, you’ll likely need extra documentation — like design drawings or material samples.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I replace an old fence without a permit?
A: Yes — if the replacement is the same height, location, and style as the original, no permit is needed.
Q: Do HOA rules override city fence codes?
A: HOA rules add an extra layer of restriction, but city codes still apply. Always get HOA approval before building.
Q: Can my neighbor stop me from building a fence?
A: Not if the fence is fully on your property and complies with all codes. But it’s best to notify them, especially if it affects shared views or access.
Q: Do I need to notify the city for a short front yard decorative fence?
A: Usually no — if it’s under 3 feet tall and made of approved materials. But check if you’re in a historic or preservation district.
Q: What if my yard is sloped?
A: You still must follow maximum height rules — measured vertically from the ground. Even a 6-foot fence can exceed limits if placed on a high spot.
Need Help Navigating Fence Regulations?
Irish Iron has handled hundreds of fence builds across Sacramento — from Midtown to Carmichael to Granite Bay. We know which areas need permits, how to design within city limits, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re unsure whether your fence needs approval, or you want someone to handle the whole process for you, we can help.
